Meaning & Definition of word "Pygmy"

Pygmy

/ˈpɪɡmi/

1. A member of certain peoples of very short stature in equatorial Africa and parts of Asia.
- Example: The Pygmies of the Congo rainforest have a rich cultural heritage and unique ways of living.
2. A person of diminutive stature.
- Example: Despite his small size, he was a giant in the world of ideas, often referred to as a pygmy in comparison to his towering colleagues.
3. A small or diminutive version of something.
- Example: The garden was filled with pygmy pines that perfectly suited the landscape.

1. Relating to or characteristic of a pygmy.
- Example: The pygmy culture has traditions that have been passed down for generations.
2. Very small or diminutive.
- Example: He has a pygmy mentality when it comes to tackling big issues, always thinking small.

From the Greek 'pygmē', meaning 'a fist', referring to the height of the pygmies.

pygmy stature:

Refers to someone being very short in height.

pygmy culture:

Describes the unique traditions and lifestyles of pygmy groups.

dwarf:

A person of unusually small stature.

midget:

An offensive term for a person of restricted growth.

gnome:

A mythical creature often depicted as small and humanoid.

Meaning: Someone who is very small or diminutive.

Example Sentence: That guy is a complete pygmy compared to his friends.

Meaning: A derogatory term for someone perceived as insignificant or powerless.

Example Sentence: He felt like a pygmy in that meeting, unable to voice his opinions.